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Show Me

By Don Loftis | 05.31.17

Though the phrase has never been formally adopted by the legislature, Missouri is typically known as “The Show Me State”. The phrase came from a speech in 1899 by U.S. Congressman Willard Vandiver. During a speech in Philadelphia he said, “I come from a state that raises corn, cotton and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri — you have got to show me.”

Having missed Jesus’ first post-resurrection appearance to His apostles, Thomas declared, “Unless I see in His hands the imprints of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails and put my hand in His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). Later, Jesus provided just the requested evidence, and Thomas declared, “My Lord and my God.”

Looking at this principle in a different way, I wonder if the world sees enough in Christians to be convinced of our faith? Is there clear evidence of His transforming power in real lives? Is the casual observer struck by the church’s love for others and its passion for righteousness?

I recall as a college student having someone ask this sobering question: “If you were arrested and charged with being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convict you?” We can call ourselves Christians and talk about discipleship, but the proof lies in our daily lives. Put another way, the world calls for us to talk to them less and show them more. On second thought, they are entitled to that, even if they don’t live in Missouri.